Madagascar - The Power Transmission Network Reinforcement and Interconnection Project (PRIRTEM)

The proposed intervention is an ADF loan of UA 27.82 million to finance the first phase of the Madagascar Power Transmission Network Reinforcement and Interconnection Project (PRIRTEM-I) aimed at interconnecting the country's three major power grids (Antananarivo, Toamasina, Fianarantsoa). The project plans to build a 220-kV power line with a 120 MW capacity and electrifying the rural areas along the high-voltage line corridor. The line, which will run across three (3) regions (Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro and Atsinanana), will interconnect RIA and RIT to facilitate energy flow between the two networks and consequently ensure reliable power supply, while also easing the development of large hydropower facilities. Besides the power line, the project also includes the construction of 4 substations (Tana Nord II, Ambohibary, Antsampanana and Toamasina), which will strengthen RIA and RIT and ensure power distribution in the rural areas crossed. This programme will help to optimise and integrate production resources, particularly renewable energy production technologies. The availability of a new power transmission line between the country's two main interconnected grids - Antananarivo (RIA) and Toamasina (RIT) - is a necessary condition for the integration of major hydropower developments on the drawing board such as Volobe (120 MW) and Sahofika (192 MW). By upgrading its hydropower, Madagascar will also reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the import costs of which have a significant impact on the economy and JIRAMA’s financial viability. The project will be implemented over 48 months, with the main works completed in Q4-2023.